Discover untouched snow-covered landscapes and enjoy the peace and quiet of Lapland nature on this snowshoe hike in Kiruna. Your guide will teach you a lot about the local wildlife and the region in general. Go deep into the forest and enjoy breathtaking panoramas in a pristine natural setting.
In this article, we’ll explain all you need to know if you want to go snowshoeing in Kiruna.
Practical information about snowshoeing in Kiruna
Here’s some essential information you need to know before snowshoeing in Kiruna.
What season is best for snowshoeing in Kiruna?
Of course, snow is a prerequisite for snowshoeing in Kiruna. So you’ll need to come between October at the earliest and April at the latest.
Alternatives and prices
There are several options to choose from, depending on what you’re looking for. Here they are:
Climb the mountain on the outskirts of Kiruna and learn more about the local flora and fauna. You'll stop halfway up the mountain for a 360° view of the Kiruna region.
Set off at dusk and follow your guide to a spot specially set aside for observing the northern lights. Away from the city lights, you can admire the starry sky and try to catch a glimpse of this unique natural light show.
Set off in a small group on a snowshoe hike through the Arctic wilderness around Kiruna. Your guide will tell you all about the local flora and fauna, and you'll stop for a warm drink with a beautiful view.
The classic option, and the one that illustrates this article, is the first. It combines the crossing of a forest, a beautiful viewpoint, and plenty of information about the surrounding nature.
Why not go on your own?
This excursion is a real plus if you like hiking. Unless you know a safe hiking trail to follow, setting off with your own snowshoes is likely to be disappointing and sometimes even dangerous.
The snow won’t be packed, so you can quickly get lost and not find a nice place to hike. What’s more, the guide will teach you a lot during the hike, and you’ll enjoy a real shared experience together.
How do I get there?
You’ll meet in front of your hotel in Kiruna, or at a meeting point agreed with you beforehand. The guide will then drive you in his van to the trailhead, where the hike begins.
At the end, you’ll be dropped off at the same place where you were picked up.
How long does the tour last?
Allow a good 3 hours to make sure you can get the most out of snowshoeing in Kiruna without being rushed by other activities or bookings.
How does the activity work?
In the following paragraphs, we’ll explain in detail how snowshoeing in Kiruna works. This will give you all the information you need to make the most of this activity.
Video of snowshoeing in Kiruna
To get you straight into the mood, here’s a video of the activity:
Getting to the starting point and getting equipped
The guide will pick you up in his van in front of your hotel or from a meeting point previously chosen with the guide.
Once the whole group has gathered, he’ll take you to the starting point of the walk, about 20 minutes away.
You’ll then be invited to get out of the van and gear up. It couldn’t be easier.
Simply slide your foot into the snowshoe and tighten the straps so that they fit snugly around your foot. It’s as simple as that, and you’re ready to hit the trail!
The start of the walk
Throughout the hike, you’ll have to follow the guide, who will break trail for you and knows where to step.
In fact, you’ll soon notice that if you stray from the guide’s path, you’ll sink into a thick layer of snow. That’s why it’s important to walk in single file, one after the other.
During your ascent, you’ll learn a lot about the local flora and fauna from your guide. You’ll be able to observe the tracks of various animals, such as moose and hares.
You’ll learn, for example, that hares make “false” tracks to lure foxes away from them, or that bears hibernate by falling asleep in holes and allowing themselves to be covered by snow during the winter, before waking up in the spring.
As for the flora, the guide will show you some of the plants you can taste, and how reindeer and other animals feed in this harsh region.
Reaching the summit
Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll stop for around twenty minutes. You’ll enjoy an exceptional 360° panorama of the entire Kiruna region.
The guide will explain the features you’ll see, such as the mountains, and show you where the region’s various points of interest are located.
This is the perfect time to take a fika break. Derived from the word kaffe (coffee), it’s a traditional break very dear to Swedes.
They get together at various times of the day to share a moment away from everyday tasks, often over a hot drink and a few cookies.
In fact, you’ll learn that the town takes its name from a bird, the rock ptarmigan, called Giron in Northern Sami (the language of the region’s Indigenous people), which became kiiruna in Finnish.
Back to the van
After enjoying the scenery, you’ll head back to the van.
The snow in northern Sweden is very dry. You’ll be surprised to be able to handle it without feeling the usual dampness you might get when touching snow in many other places.
That’s why the guide often suggests that his groups play in the snow when it’s very cold, as this allows them to keep warm without getting wet!
He’ll also show you a few techniques for surviving in the wild.
You’ll learn, for example, how to make a fire in the snow, or how to survive a storm by building an igloo at the foot of a fir tree.
You’ll notice that from the beginning to the end of the walk, you follow orange markers. They’ve been placed to guide hikers, and you’ll follow them all the way.
You’ll finally arrive at the van, where the guide will take you back to your hotel or a specific meeting point.
Frequently asked questions about snowshoeing in Kiruna
Here’s a summary of the different questions and answers you might have before snowshoeing in Kiruna. You’ll find them in list form, so you can quickly find the information you’re looking for.
What clothing and equipment do you need?
The activity lasts several hours, during which you’ll be exposed to the Kiruna region’s weather conditions. Make sure you keep a close eye on the weather forecast, and cover up well if necessary.
This is a physical activity, so it’s better to dress warmly, even if it means taking off a few layers, than to get cold and not enjoy the hike.
The wind can also play tricks on you. Whatever happens, keep your extremities well covered and you should be warm enough to do this activity.
As far as equipment is concerned, you don’t need to bring anything. The guide will lend you the snowshoes.
Can I take photos during the excursion?
As you walk, you’ll enjoy the different panoramas of Kiruna. It’s possible to take photos during the hike. The guide will stop several times to give you explanations.
That’s when you can take photos. The pace of the walk is not very fast, so you can also take photos on the move.
Be careful, however, as the path can be steep and you could fall or drop your equipment, which remains your responsibility.
Is snowshoeing in Kiruna suitable for everyone?
The hike is accessible to all, depending on the option you choose. A forest hike is more suitable for children, while a mountain hike is more athletic, but that’s relative.
The guide is a great teacher, and you’ll come away with a much greater understanding of the natural world around you.
If you’ve never done snowshoeing before, you’ll just have to be careful to lift your feet and “unroll” them less when you walk, but you’ll see, it’s quite instinctive.
Falls are not uncommon, but rest assured that they are not serious, as you will simply fall into the snow.
That’s the end of our article about snowshoeing in Kiruna. You should now have all the information you need to enjoy this activity!
